MYRINGOTOMY AND VENTILATION TUBES: A REPORT OF 1,568 EARS.
Luxford, William M. M.D.; Sheehy, James L. M.D.
[Report] Laryngoscope. 92(11):1293-1297, November 1982.

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We reviewed the records of all patients who had a myringotomy and insertion of a ventilation tube at Otologic Medical Group during a 6-year period; there were 2,266 intubations on 1,568 ears.

Uncomplicated serous otitis media was the indication in 1,055 ears; 19% developed brief episodes of otorrhea. Persistent otorrhea necessitated tube removal in 9 ears, all but 2 of which became dry. These 2 patients required mnstoid surgery.

We conclude that myringotomy and insertion of a ventilation tube in serous otitis media is associated with infrequent complications, and these complications are probably related more to the underlying disease process than to the ventilation tube.

(C) The American Laryngological, Rhinological & Otological Society, Inc.